In the middle of August 1993, test transmissions began across South & West Dorset on 97.2MHz frequency from the Bincombe site between Dorchester and Weymouth. The first team moved into its new studios in Trinity St Dorchester. The grade 2 listed cottages, freshly painted but unchanged outside, have been transformed inside to create a state-of-the-art studio and office complex. Two companies carried out the work in record breaking time. The architects and radio equipment engineers brought Wessex FM to life. Wessex FM was the first radio station to use brand new satellite link equipment, other stations soon followed suit!

From day one Wessex FM has been passionate about true local radio for Dorset. From our journalists to the presenters, everyone has a local background, lives and loves Dorset. A strong team has always been behind Wessex FM’s success from the very first day you would have heard Jane Soole (News editor) Roger Kennedy, Stuart McGinley and Maria Ferguson. Other notable names came to Dorset's newest radio station over the years including, Jason Herbert & Phil Stocks. Today, James O’Neill, Steve Bulley, Del Thompson, Kieran Williams, Dave Goulden and Maria Greenwood & Matt Tozer continue to ensure Wessex FM is broadcasting 'Pure Dorset Radio'.

"Spectacular Launch for Wessex FM"

'Dorset's new and exclusive 24 hour a day independent radio station, Wessex FM went on air as scheduled at precisely 10am on Saturday 4 september (1993). Focal Point of their celebration launch was the Wessex FM outside broadcast marquee at the Dorchester Agricultural Show, where is seemed that most of the crowed - estimated at 25,000 - visited the stand during the day to meet the team.'

'Photograph shows Lional Blair and Toy Blackburn with "Dina" at the launch of Wessex FM.'

Sept 1993

December 12th 1994

January 4th 1995

The first few years were a success beyond original expectations and the station made great profits and pulled listeners from across the county. Today, Wessex FM continues to be one of the most successful radio stations in the UK and the most listened to in the area. Today, Over 4 weeks, 54% of the people here listen to Wessex fm

• We have over double the listenership of any other commercial radio station in the area.

• We have over three times more listeners than local BBC,

• We have more listeners 25-54 year olds than Radio 2 and Radio 4...

• Every 13 weeks we reach 63% of people here,

• Every 4 weeks we reach an amazing 52% of all adults,

• Every 13 weeks we reach 62% of ABC1’s

    RAJAR DATA 2011

Do you have any memories of Wessex FM? Do you remember when we launched or maybe the first few years of broadcasts ? Click on the logo's bellow and tell us about your memories of Wessex FM!